Say No to the Dress

Since my BFF is getting married this year, I’ve had a resurgence of interest in all things wedding-related.  Last night I caught an episode of a show called Say Yes to the Dress.

The idea behind the show is that brides go to a high-end bridal salon to try on bridal dresses; we the viewers get to share in all the drama.  It’s kind of fun, actually, but I noticed a few things as I was watching.

1.  In the high-end wedding gown game, gown salespeople are a lot like car salesmen.  Except snootier.  They have an amazing knack of intimidating brides into spending more than they originally budgeted.

2.  The gowns are beautiful!  I loved them all to tell you the truth.  And they really are works of art, and as such probably worth the money, on the one hand.  But to pay $5,000.00 or more for a dress you will only wear once?  I know it’s easy to lose your head when planning a wedding.  I’ve been there, my friends.  But, woo, is this possibly getting a marriage off on the wrong foot?

3.  I remembered I needed to call my friend and ask her about her dress.  I’m excited to hear about it because she has impeccable taste AND good fiscal sense, so I am fully prepared to be dazzled on all fronts (that is, sartorially and financially).

4.  Just to prove to you that No. 3 above is true, I need to show you a picture of the bridesmaid gown she picked out.  It’s only $49.00!  Ok, I will have to say here that Southern California brides do have an unfair advantage when it comes to planning a frugal wedding.  That’s the Garment District of Downtown Los Angeles (there’s also the Jewelry District, the Fabric District, and the Flower District.  Great deals abound).  You can save a lot of moolah by going straight to the manufacturer.  She went down there a couple of weeks ago and picked out this sweet little number.  The great thing about this, too, is that out-of-town bridesmaids (such as myself) can order them online, for an added fee of $20.00.  That’s still a great deal for such a nice dress.  I’ve been in lots of weddings, so believe me, I know.

Also, I like to watch What Not to Wear (Stacy and Clinton are the bomb).  So from what I have learned from watching that show, I think that this is a flattering choice for all the disparate figures involved in the wedding - nice waistline, neckline, and length.  And it’s such a pretty color, and kind of floaty.  See?  My friend DOES have excellent taste and judgment when it comes to matters of clothing.  And money.

5.  Every bride wants to look beautiful on her wedding day.  And every bride DESERVES to look beautiful on her big day.  But I think the look has more to do with the happiness of the event than the outer trappings.  I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be too happy if I was wearing a dress that cost $5,000.  I remember my wedding.  Little kids were hugging me and grabbing me, wanting to be picked up.  Lots of uncles and cousins were stepping all over my hem when we danced.  It was a hot August day.  I was sweating.  It was great, but my poor dress suffered quite a bit.  But I could really throw myself into the rigors and vigors of the day without worrying about preserving a $5,000.00 dress. I was in the moment, thanks to my hand-me-down gown (it was my mom’s).

6.  So I would say, if you don’t want to, or can’t, spend thousands on a wedding dress, just stay out of a bridal salon like the one on Say Yes to the Dress.  You might go into one of those places thinking, “Oh, I’ll just see what they have, but I’m not going to commit to anything.”  Those clever-minx saleswomen WILL sell you a dress you can’t afford.  They are just too good at their jobs; and kudos to them, I say - I always admire someone who is good at what they do.  But, trust me,  you WILL NOT be able to stand firm once they start bringing out those designer gowns.  They are just too, too scrumptious.  I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be able to, and I’m cheap.